HURON COUNTY, MI—Acting on a tip from local coyote hunters who'd reported spotting a wolverine, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife biologist Arnie Karr jumped on a snowmobile and headed toward the area in hopes of snapping photos of the animal. He was successful after it ran out of the woods and across a field.

Officials say last week's encounter represents Michigan's first confirmed wolverine sighting since reports by fur traders dating to the late 1700s and early 1800s.

DNR officials say it's still unclear whether wolverines have inhabited Michigan since the 19th century, even though the state has the unofficial Wolverine nickname and the University of Michigan's athletic program uses the moniker.

The DNR says it now plans to track the wolverine, most likely through reports from the public.